Nikola Jokic contract situation creating "no worry at all" for Nuggets

Nikola Jokic declined a contract extension offer from the Denver Nuggets this summer, a development that generated initial concern but has since faded. The Nuggets organization has consistently expressed strong confidence regarding Jokic's long-term future with the team. This confidence was reiterated by a Nuggets front office executive during summer league, who stated the team has "No worry at all" about Jokic's contract situation.

The executive elaborated that Jokic's decision to decline the extension was "the smart move," explaining that by waiting until next summer, Jokic can secure an extra year on essentially the same contract offer. The executive emphasized that this offer will still be available next year and that both Jokic and the team are "on the same page." Hearing this detailed rationale directly from a team executive reinforces the positive sentiment that the Nuggets and Jokic are aligned, making a new deal next summer seem highly likely.

However, the article cautions that nothing is guaranteed until Jokic officially signs an extension. It raises several potential risks for the Nuggets: the roster is older, with new additions likely past their prime and needing to adapt to smaller roles; there's an assumption of better health which isn't certain; and there's an expectation that young players will develop steadily with reduced pressure, which also isn't assured.

While the author approves of the Nuggets' offseason moves and believes Jokic does too, a scenario where multiple things go wrong (like key players declining, bad injury luck in a tough Western Conference) could quickly turn things negative. Although not expected, the unpredictable nature of the NBA is noted, and the fact Jokic will enter next summer with only one year left on his contract remains a significant consideration.